THE GREAT ESCAPE
Designer Rajo Laurel’s collection explores the idea of a ‘perpetual holiday’ for spring/summer 2017
Rajo Laurel is set to launch his 38th readyto-wear collection to date. Simply dubbed “38,” his spring/summer 2017 collection finds inspiration from his recent adventures in Hawaii and the Amalfi Coast. Drawn from the astonishing horizons, white-sand beaches and lush foliage of both places, the collection will feature unique and abstract graphic prints in hues that evoke escape and play. “We’re going on a perpetual holiday!” shares Laurel. “I want my clients to feel like they’re going on a fabulous vacation when they try on the clothes. I love the feeling of being on vacation and I wanted to capture this in our collection.”
The womenswear collection features proportions that are oversized and have silhouettes that promote movement and fluidity. Most of the materials are in their purer forms like washed cottons and silks as well as soft voiles and cotton knits. Textural elements like pleats will be emphasized along with knotting and tying details. “Our woman this season is excited for life and appreciates the ease and fluidity of the garments,” says Laurel. It’s a season that celebrates color.
YStyle talks exclusively to the designer ahead of his exclusive collection presentation at Manila House on March 4. On what continues to inspire him, what brings life to his muse, and what’s next for the designer, Rajo Laurel gives us an exclusive first look at his most recent collection. “38” will be available in-stores on March 10 onwards at House of Laurel, March 17 at Rajo! Power Plant Mall and Shangri-La Plaza.
YSTYLE: Congratulations on your new spring/summer 2017 collection “38”! First off, how does it feel having 38 ready-towear collections under your belt?
RAJO LAUREL: It’s wonderful to have been able to do 38 collections. It’s a great feat, but at the same time, it’s really just part of the process. We continue to push ourselves and try to create a sense of order to the system, an internal calendar that drives the brand and my team to continue to pursue what we all love to do. At the same time, focusing on consistency and improvement on all levels.
What continues to inspire you? What brings life to your muse?
Life inspires me! I am inspired by so many things and I want to be able to experience it all. My muses, in many ways, are my sisters and friends. Since I am very close to these women and men, I tend to simply observe them and understand their needs, desires and what they want to express. The lifestyles they lead inspire me in a way and my upcoming show is all about that. “38” concentrates on the ready-to-wear lines where we try to simplify the lives of our clients and make it really easy for them in terms of wardrobe.
What inspired you to stage a physical presentation for this particular collection?
In part, we wanted to formally announce the opening of our second physical store at the ShangriLa Plaza mall but we didn’t want it to be so “static” or “staged.” I am a member of Manila House and, one day, I had dinner there and I said this is the perfect setting to express what I wanted to say. I saw what Manila House is doing and I wanted to be part of it.
The show format is like that of a salon show where the models walk around people having merienda and tea. It’s a nod to the way they used to do it in the ’70s but I wanted a modern touch to it. So I pray that it works? I also asked my clients to take their mothers and daughters to the show as that is what House of Laurel is really all about: family and deep relationships.
What should clients be looking out for in this collection? Tell us about your hero pieces — the absolute must-haves.
The dresses are really what I think everyone should have as summer for me is all about ease, one-piece dressing that makes it easy, simple and functional. I also recently invested in a fantastic pleating machine so we did tons of experiments with the technique, and what came out is really quite lovely and wearable. We’re focusing on giving our clients smart unique options that you won’t be able to find on the high street.
What’s next for you?
I am preparing for my 25th year anniversary gala next year! OMG! That is going to be a milestone indeed and I will be celebrating this with a book. I am both excited and really looking forward to those two projects.
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“38” Spring/Summer 2017 Collection will be launched on March 10 at House of Laurel, 6013 Villena cor. Mañalac St., Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. The collection will also be available on March 17 at Rajo! 2/F Power Plant Mall, Makati City and 2/F Shangri-La Plaza Main Wing, Mandaluyong City.